This publication (first published on 11 May 2009) was reissued on 25 August 2009 to correct data in some tables. Data cubes and commentary were further replaced on 23 November 2010. See History of Changesor more information. The corresponding National Health Survey: Summary of Results; State tables (cat. no. 4362.0) are scheduled for replacement in late February 2011.

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

This publication presents summary results from the 2007-08 National Health Survey (NHS) conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from August 2007 to June 2008. Approximately 20,800 people from all states and territories and across all age groups were included. One adult (aged 18 years or more) and one child (where applicable) for each sampled dwelling were included in the survey. The survey was designed to obtain national benchmarks on a wide range of health issues, and to enable changes in health to be monitored over time. Information was collected about:

the health status of the population;

health-related aspects of lifestyle and other health risk factors; and

the use of health services and other actions people had recently taken for their health.

This publication contains a cross-section of results from the survey for the main topics covered. Explanatory Notes provide information about the survey design and methodology, the quality and interpretation of results, and information about the range of publications and other data services available or planned. More detailed information about the survey is contained in the National Health Survey 2007-08: Users' Guide (cat. no. 4363.0.55.001).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABS publications draw extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated; without it, the wide range of statistics published by the ABS would not be available. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act 1905.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.